Martime tourism spending results in a £3.7bn splash

Sailing in Scotland is one of the maritime activities adding billions to the economy. (Picture: Tony Hisgett/flickr.)

Published:16:22Wednesday 23 March 2016

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Messing about on the water - and spending time on the shore - are major boosts to the economy in Scotland.

Marine recreation and tourism spending is estimated to amount to £3.7 billion per year, according to a report published today (Wednesday, March 23).

The Scottish Marine Recreation and Tourism Survey shows that £1.3 billion of expenditure comes from specialist marine activities, including wildlife watching, sailing, kayaking, surfing and angling, while spending on general recreation and tourism, like coastal walks and cycling, amounts to £2.4 billion.

The survey looked at 23 different recreation and tourism activities undertaken at sea or taking place around the Scottish coastline.